How to Repair on a Budget: Money-Saving Recommendations for Fixes

Fixing Your Stuff Powers the Circular Economy, but how to save some money while doing it? Find three ideas of how to do it.

Repair, Don’t Replace!

In today’s throwaway and overconsumption culture, it often feels like the easiest option is to simply replace a broken item rather than repair it. But what if fixing things was just as convenient—if not more so—than buying new? Repairing goods not only saves you money but also plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future. The circular economy thrives on keeping products in use for as long as possible, reducing waste, and conserving precious resources. Yet, for many consumers, the idea of repair seems like a hassle. In reality, it doesn’t have to be. From smartphones to furniture, repair should be an accessible, straightforward solution—one that benefits both you and the planet. Here’s some new things happening that will help customers to repair on a budget without being a burden for our wallets and savings.

How to repair on a Budget...

1. Bonus to reduce the cost of repairing

Through initiatives like the "Bonus Reparation" program, consumers can be provided with financial incentives or vouchers to repair their damaged garments instead of discarding them. This bonus can be used at participating repair shops or for professional mending services, lowering the upfront cost for individuals and encouraging a shift towards more sustainable consumption.

A great example is now available in France: Re_fashion, a French organisation dedicated to promoting textile recycling, uses bonus systems to help reduce the cost of repairing clothing.

Re_fashion’s Repair Fund, launched at the request of public authorities, is designed to encourage French consumers to repair their clothing and shoes rather than replace them. The initiative aims to promote the work of skilled repair professionals, highlighting their expertise, and to give new value to the crafts of shoe repair and tailoring. In addition, it encourages brands and retailers to offer repair services or options to their customers, helping make repairs more accessible and sustainable. Through these efforts, the program not only extends the life of garments and footwear but also supports a more circular and eco-friendly approach to fashion.

2. Check the labels

Labels are becoming more important every day. Traditionally used to share information like the brand name, the country of origin, materials used, and care instructions, labels are now evolving into a guide for mindful shopping. From digital certifications that verify a product's authenticity to certifications that ensure ethical production, labels are helping consumers make more informed, responsible choices. By reading labels, shoppers will have the opportunity to buy wisely and support more sustainable practices.

France, once again, offers an innovative approach to promoting repairability. Starting in January 2025, electronics like TVs and washing machines will feature an indicator that rates their sustainability. This new label will provide a score based on several key factors:

• The product's durability and resistance,

• The availability and price of repair parts,

• How easy it is to disassemble and repair in a modular way,

• The cost and simplicity of repairs.

Initially, this information will be available for specific products, but over time, it’s expected to spread across a wider range of items. Taking the time to assess the longevity of our purchases—and understanding how easy or costly it is to repair them—is a smart way to make long-term savings and support a more sustainable future.

3. Do it yourself

   
   
   
   

Yes, it takes time, but it is not a waste of it. Although more specialised and technical pieces may need professional assistance, you can easily learn how to repair small details. It is time to convert Netflix and chill into Netlix and sew, I guess.

While how to repair little details like wholes in your socks is an easy task to learn on a wide variety of social platforms and media, the best idea is to go an educate ourselves on how to take care of and repair our garments. This is also a big opportunity for Education Institutions and for service startups. It is not the same to create a product than to repair, we need more repairing professionals.

As we continue to embrace a more sustainable future, repairing our products and seeking out repair options is a small yet powerful way to make a lasting impact. By choosing to fix what’s broken, rather than tossing it aside, we not only extend the life of our possessions but also reduce waste and minimize our environmental footprint. The beauty of circularity lies in its potential to create a system where resources are valued and reused, fostering a culture of mindfulness and responsibility. So, the next time something needs a fix, why not explore the many repair options available to you? Every small step counts toward a greener, more sustainable world.

#sustainablefashion #circularfashion #repair

Images credits:

Cover image:

Alexander Andrews. (2017). Utilisation gratuite sous la Licence Unsplash.

Infography Indice de durabilité:

Ministères Aménagement du Territoire Transition Écologique. (2025). Indice de durabilité. Available at: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/politiques-publiques/indice-durabilite#:~:text=L'indice%20de%20durabilit%C3%A9%20est,%3A%20T%C3%A9l%C3%A9viseur%20et%20lave%2Dlinge.

Bonus Reparation:

Re_Fashion. (2025). Bonus Reparation. Available at: https://refashion.fr/citoyen/fr/bonus-reparation?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpYVfZAumoo1haMAAqn31vs_m_dTetTN-n33V9eBUb4AQWwFqhoUGgBoCa_YQAvD_BwE